12 October, 2012

Since I started VO I've wanted to offer a reasonably priced, but high quality complete bike--not just any bike, but one with really well designed and matched components. That's what made the French constructeur bikes great. Not only did the constructeurs make great frames, but just as importantly they were built in the shop with perfectly matching components and accessories. Many of those components and accessories were made, or at least designed, by the constructeur himself. The difference in the bikes I've wanted to offer is that they would be affordable to the average cyclist.Before I go on, here is the complete build list.

Next, the components are what we would ride. I'd have no qualms about hopping on this bike and riding a three thousand mile trip into the back of beyond. And I wouldn't say that about a lot of mid-priced off-the-shelf bikes. On some of them you might find a $6 bottom bracket with plastic cups hiding behind a nice looking crank. Or you might find no-name hubs or headsets with low-end bearings. Then there is the seat post without enough setback for a leather saddle. We've tried to address all these common problems.

The final point I wanted to make about these bikes is that they are an experiment and we'll make only a very limited number. The reason for this is that we really don't have the staff or space to build them in large numbers efficiently. But if they sell well, we'll lease another warehouse bay and hire more staff so we can do them in quantity.

That's a great all-around build, especially with all those sealed cartridge bearings. Those touring hubs are super slick. Being able to select fenders and racks will allow a personalized bike, suited to individual needs. Or as you say, some people may choose not to use racks or fenders. I've been looking forward to a huge framebag on a 59cm frame and I may not even need fenders while living in New Mexico, which means more tire clearance!